October 19, 2007

Al Harrington has averaged 11.0 rebounds per contest over the last three preseason games. (Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty)

SAN ANTONIO
The Warriors lost to the Spurs last night in Texas and there is not much to say about the game, except check out the rebounding numbers for Al Harrington in last night’s box score.

RADIO ROUNDTABLE
The first edition of this season’s Warriors Radio Roundtable premiered on Wednesday night and among my guests were team tri-Captain Matt Barnes and Head Coach Don Nelson. You can listen to those interviews by clicking here.

Our next Radio Roundtable will air on Wednesday night, October 24, and our next game broadcast will come to you from Seattle on Tuesday (7 p.m.). That broadcast can be heard on KNBR 1050 in the Bay Area. If you can’t get 1050 in your area, you can listen to the game at NBA.com absolutely free.

PRESEASON
These are the dog days of Training Camp, the point where the players, for the most part, are ready to go. The exception would be the rookies, who are still getting used to the pace of the NBA game, learning the plays, the officials and their teammates.

Hopefully, the Warriors won't suffer any more injuries between now and October 30, when they host Utah to open the season.

KOBE
I have taken a number of e-mails from fans who ask me about the potential of getting Kobe Bryant from the Lakers. First, I don’t believe they will trade him, unless they get a great deal. Second, I don’t think that if they do move him, they would move him to a team inside their own division. Third, if you have to gut your team to get him, then aren’t you in the same spot that the Lakers are in, having a tough time finding the sidekick that he needs?

Stephane Lasme has shown tremendous activity during his brief stint with the Warriors. (D. Clarke Evans/NBAE/Getty)

MAILBAG

QUESTION
Tim,
How has Stephane Lasme looked in his first few preseason games, and where does he currently fit in with the Warriors? Thanks for the excellent coverage of training camp so far.
Cheers,
Patrick

ANSWER
Patrick,
Stephane has looked active in training camp and played last night in the loss to San Antonio. He is an incredible athlete who can jump and has good timing. He is an x-factor right now, and if the Warriors get anything from him, it will be a bonus. His playing time may hinge on rebounding. If he rebounds well, he will get time.
Thanks for the kind words,
Tim

Question
Hi Tim,
After watching the preseason game against the Lakers, it seems like Mickael Pietrus picks up a lot of fouls in a short amount of time. Do you think Nellie will address this before the regular season starts? Has Pietrus made any improvements to his game since last year?
Thanks,
Ken

Answer
Ken,
Yes, that is a problem for Mickael. He sometimes challenges a little too much one on one. The coaching staff is constantly working with him on that and the other subtleties of playing defense in the NBA. Don't forget that he was guarding Kobe Bryant, which contributed to the number of foul calls in such a short time.
Take Care,
Tim

The addition of Sidney Moncrief to the coaching staff should boost the Warriors free-throw percentage. (photo: Monique Saenz)

QUESTION
Tim,
I (like everyone else) am looking forward to another season of excitement, but I would like to see the Warriors improve upon their free-throw percentage. Every pro should be shooting at least 75-80 percent. I remember Calvin Murphy and Mike Newlin of the Houston Rockets ending each practice with 100 consecutive made free throws, or starting over with each miss! They even stated that every pro that doesn't shoot 80 percent should apologize to their coaches for someday getting them fired. Do you see the same dedication to this facet of the game from the current group of W's?
Go Warriors!
Stan Wong

Answer
Stan,
There is no doubt that the Warriors postseason story would have been different if they could have hit a few free throws in Utah. I can say that they are working hard in that department with the addition of Shooting Coach Sidney Moncrief. Check out the interview I did with Sidney in Hawaii on the Warriors Radio Roundtable page.
Thanks for the e-mail,
Tim

KEEP THOSE E-MAILS COMING!